Modern Bay Window Design

Any remodeling project gives you a chance to improve your home in many different ways. You can improve the energy efficiency of your home, make your home look better, or increase the resale value.

How about a project that can do all three of these things?

Consider a bay window replacement for an existing flat window. By installing these windows you can freshen up the look of your home, create interesting architectural details, and make rooms seem larger. A new bay replacement made with modern Low-E glass can also help lower your heating and cooling bills. The modern Low-E glass on the new bay window will usually reduce the thermal transmission when compared to the old window.

There are several styles of bay windows to choose from. One of the most common consists of a large center window flanked by two smaller windows. These typically are connected at angles of 30 or 45 degrees. Other window replacement options include windows made of multiple panes instead of just three.

New windows can improve the appearance your home both inside and outside. Inside the new window makes the room look larger by creating a window seat that extends out past the original home floor plan. Outside the protruding bay window breaks up the lines of your home and adds visual interest and curb appeal.

Because of the complexity of installing this particular type of window, many homeowners choose to let a professional contractor do the work instead of trying to do the job themselves. While hiring a pro is never a bad idea, bay window replacement should be within the abilities of an experienced and competent home remodeler. If you are confident in your skills, and have the proper tools, you can do the work yourself and save money for other home remodeling jobs.

Bay windows can create a beautiful focal point for a room, flooding it with light and making the most of the view. They cry out for elegant curtains, custom curtain rods and window seats, but some people are unsure where to start. Bay windows can be awkward at times, but with a little effort are wonderful additions to any design scheme.

Window seats
Adding some seating is a great way to use the space created by a bay. A window seat fitted exactly into the space creates a romantic area which is somewhat secluded but gives great views and warmth from the sun. The seat can be dressed with some sumptuous cushions and a throw, creating the perfect space to read or sit with someone special.

Bay window curtain rods
You might think curtain tracks are the only option for bay windows, as these can be bent to the exact dimensions of the space, but there are now curtain rods and poles which do the same thing. Curtain rods create a more opulent, bold effect than tracks. Imagine having your dining table in the bay with a chandelier further into the room and luxurious curtains draped from antiqued metal or stainless steel poles. Rods can be bent to any shape, whether you have a square or round bay, and are suitable for eyelet curtains or more traditional rings. Curtain poles need supporting regularly along their length when they are used in bay windows, but clever design means the rings can move past the brackets with ease.

Use the space
As bay windows have openings on all sides, they create pleasant nooks filled with light. They are great locations for activities which either need illumination or benefit from the ability to see out, so they're perfect for desks and dressing tables. Being able to look up from your computer screen is good for your eyes and applying make-up in natural light allows you to see the colours more clearly.

With square bay windows you may find a piece of furniture that will fit, but for semi-circular or angled designs you might need a custom piece created. If the table or desk fits perfectly in the space the effect will be more harmonious and, as with custom curtain rods, bespoke designs can be a definite plus.